…Says military intervention last resort
…Expresses hope on return to democracy in Niger
President Bola Tinubu has vowed to exhaust all diplomatic solutions before considering any military intervention in African nations experiencing an uprising.
Amidst struggles to pressurise military juntas in the Republic of Niger to restore democracy in the West African Country, another junta struck in Gabon on Wednesday, toppling the democratic government of President Ali Bongo, a development that has left African leaders with more worries.
Bongo who has been in power since 2009 was announced the winner of the presidential election in the Central African country on Saturday, having fulfilled a two-thirds victory at the polls.
The military officers in Gabon announced on Wednesday they had seized power in the African nation, according to a televised address circulating on social media.
The announcement came minutes after Gabon’s election body announced incumbent President Ali Bongo had won a third term, extending his family’s half-century rule over the oil-rich Central African country of 2.3 million.
The coup represents the 10th in west and central Africa since 2017.
Speaking during a meeting with the Nigeria Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), President Tinubu emphasised his unwavering commitment to the preservation of democratic values and the peaceful resolution of conflicts.
The President’s stance was made known through a statement released by his spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, on Thursday in Abuja.
The statement highlighted President Tinubu’s strong belief in the power of dialogue and negotiation, underscoring his determination to explore all possible diplomatic options before resorting to force.
As tensions continue to escalate in Niger Republic, President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to diplomacy serves as a beacon of hope for the region.
Recognising the importance of maintaining stability and upholding democratic principles, the President firmly rejected any notion of forcefully removing a democratically elected government.
The meeting, held at the State House, was attended by the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, who leads the Nigeria Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs.
Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to diplomacy has garnered praise from both national and international observers.
“I must thank you for your several visits to Niger Republic, Your Eminence, but you will still have to go back. My fear has been confirmed in Gabon that copy cats will start doing the same thing until it is stopped.
“We are neighbours with Niger Republic, and what has joined Nigerians together with their great people cannot be broken. Nobody is interested in a war. We have seen the devastation in Ukraine and Sudan. But, if we don’t wield the big stick, we will all suffer the consequences together,” the President said.
Tinubu noted that Nigeria, under Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, instituted a nine-month transition programme in 1998 that led the country into a new era of democratic governance.
The President said that such action can be replicated in Niger Republic if the military authorities are sincere.
“Your Eminence, please don’t get tired, you will still go back there. The soldiers’ action is unacceptable. The earlier they make positive adjustments, the quicker we will dial back the sanctions to alleviate the sufferings we are seeing in Niger,” the President said.
The Sultan of Sokoto expressed his unwavering loyalty to the President, stating that leaders can only attain their positions through the will of God, not through the actions of man.
He assured the President that the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) would offer advice and support to help achieve the President’s vision for the country.
The Sultan also emphasised that leaders will be held accountable by God for their actions, emphasizing the importance of justice and fairness.
Furthermore, the Sultan recommended that the distribution of relief supplies across the country be closely monitored and supplemented if necessary, to ensure that those in dire need receive the assistance they require. In conclusion, the Sultan expressed his belief that Nigeria will emerge stronger from its current challenges.